Arsenal are 'very close' to tying academy graduate Bukayo Saka down to a new Emirates Stadium contract, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Having come through the Gunners' youth ranks, where he made more than 50 appearances, the winger has developed into a key man for boss Mikel Arteta.

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What's the latest news involving Saka?

According to 90min, Arsenal have been keen to agree a new contract with Saka for a prolonged period of time and talks are progressing.

The report suggests Real Madrid and Manchester City are monitoring the 18-cap England international's situation, but there is a growing confidence that he will put pen-to-paper ahead of the transfer window reopening at the turn of the year.

There have been doubts over whether Saka's long-term future lies in north London as he has entered the final two years of his £33,000-per-week contract and Liverpool have been tracking developments.

But respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that reaching an agreement is a priority for Arsenal and discussions have been ongoing since February.

Saka admitted last month that he is confident that a contract extension will be agreed in the not-too-distant future, while it is understood that the north Londoners value him at £100million.

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Saka?

O'Rourke believes there is growing optimism that Saka will commit his long-term future to Arsenal by penning a new deal.

The journalist understands an agreement is on the verge of being reached, leading to the Gunners not fearing an approach from any of his suitors in January.

He feels the Arsenal hierarchy, along with boss Arteta, will be overjoyed when Saka signs on the dotted line.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It seems all the noises coming out of Arsenal - from their camp as well as Saka's camp - is that this deal is very close to being agreed, which will be a huge boost to everybody connected to the club."

Why will Saka signing a new contract come as a big boost?

Saka may only be 21, but he has already scored 24 goals and provided a further 31 assists over the course of 138 appearances, emphasising that he is a key cog in the attacking third of the pitch.

Arsenal have made a promising start to the campaign and, with them currently sitting top of the Premier League standings, there is no doubt Saka has played his part.

According to WhoScored, he places in the top five among his team-mates for goals, assists and average match rating in the competition this season.